The United States Marine Corps has a rich history and tradition, and their uniforms are a significant part of that heritage. For women in the Marines, the blue dress coat is a distinctive garment worn for formal occasions. Recently, a new female blue dress coat has been introduced, prompting several questions and requiring clarification on uniform regulations. This article aims to address common inquiries and provide a comprehensive understanding of the new women’s Marine blue dress coat.
Key Questions About the Female Marine Blue Dress Coat
Several questions have arisen regarding the specifics of the new female blue dress coat. Let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions to clarify any confusion.
Officer White Cuffs and the New Coat
A common question is whether officers should wear white cuffs with the new blue dress coat. The answer is no. White cuffs are not part of the uniform for this coat. Instead, officers wear the white strip collar, which is designed to be gender-neutral. While some older packaging might refer to “male officer,” this is due to inventory of older packaging and the collar itself is appropriate for all officers.
Female Enlisted Chevrons and Hash Marks
Another point of clarification is regarding chevrons and hash marks for enlisted female Marines. There was concern that male chevrons and hash marks might be required for the new coat. However, this is not the case. Female enlisted Marines continue to wear their female-specific chevrons and hash marks. The sleeve width of the new coat remains the same, ensuring the existing insignia fits correctly.
Wearing the Male Coat as a Female Marine
A straightforward question is whether female Marines can simply purchase and wear the male blue dress coat. The answer is definitively no. The male and female blue dress coats are distinctly different garments. A simple way to differentiate them is by checking for front pockets. The male coat has pockets on the front, while the female coat does not. This design difference ensures a proper and distinct fit for both male and female Marines.
Wear Test Coats and Official Uniform
Some Marines may have received a coat during wear tests. The question arises: can these wear test coats be worn as the official uniform? Unless explicitly authorized, the answer is no. Only a very limited number of Marines, specifically those involved in the final stages of development and pictured in official materials, possess the final version of the coat for wear. To wear the new blue dress coat, female Marines will need to purchase the officially released version.
Availability and Transition to the New Coat
Understanding the issuance and transition plan for the new female blue dress coat is crucial.
Issuance of the New Coat
It’s important to note that the new blue dress coat is not automatically issued to all Marines. Issuance is limited to recruits at Boot Camp and drilling Reservists. All other enlisted female Marines will utilize their annual clothing replacement allowance to purchase the new coat. This allowance has been adjusted to accommodate the cost increase associated with the new design. This system explains the four-year phase-in period for the new coat.
Until September 30, 2022, female Marines had the option to wear either the new or the old blue dress coat. However, as of October 1, 2022, the new female blue dress coat became the standard, and the old coat was deemed obsolete.
Officers are not issued the coat, nor do they receive an allowance for its purchase. Therefore, female officers are required to purchase the new blue dress coat out of pocket.
Uniform Regulations: Insignia and Medal Placement
Proper placement of insignia and medals is critical for maintaining uniform standards. The regulations for placement differ slightly between the old and new female blue dress coats.
Officer Grade Insignia Placement
Figure 4-3 in official documentation outlines the placement of the Branch of Service and Officer’s Grade Insignia.
Enlisted Grade Insignia and Service Stripes Placement
Figure 4-8 details the placement of Enlisted Grade Insignia and Service Stripes for women.
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Current Women’s Blue Dress Coat
New Female Blue Dress Coat
Medal Placement Guidelines
The placement of medals on both the current and new female blue dress coats follows specific guidelines, particularly concerning rows of medals:
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One Row of Medals:
- Current Coat: The top of the holding bar is positioned 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches above the first visible coat button and centered.
- New Coat: The holding bar is centered, with its upper edge aligned midway between the first and second buttons.
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Two Rows of Medals:
- Current Coat: The senior row’s holding bar is placed 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches above the top of the first visible coat pocket and centered. The junior row is directly below, showing only the medals.
- New Coat: The senior row’s holding bar is centered with its upper edge midway between the first and second buttons. The junior row is placed directly below.
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Three Rows of Medals:
- Current Coat: The senior row is placed 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches above the first visible coat pocket, centered, ensuring no more than one-third of suspension ribbons are covered by the lapel. Junior rows are placed directly below.
- New Coat: Follow guidance in paragraph 5202.2.a(2) of official regulations.
For both coat types and all medal row configurations, minor adjustments to the holding bars are permitted to achieve a balanced visual appearance if necessary. Figure 5-5 provides a visual reference for medal and ribbon placement.
Figure 5-5.—Placement of medals/ribbons on women’s dress coats and the khaki shirts
Conclusion
The introduction of the new female blue dress coat represents an evolution in the women’s Marine uniform. Understanding the regulations, distinctions from the male coat, and proper wear guidelines is essential for all female Marines. By addressing common questions and clarifying uniform policies, this guide aims to ensure that women in the Marine Corps can confidently and correctly wear their blue dress coat with pride and adherence to Marine Corps standards.
